Hargita megye

1. Geographical and Cultural Background Harghita County is located in the heart of Romania, in the Eastern Carpathians, within the historical region of Transylvania. It is predominantly a rural area, characterised by a strong Székely-Hungarian ethnic presence, which shapes the region's traditions, architecture, language, and culture of hospitality. With its extensive forests, mineral springs, volcanic formations, and rich folk and religious traditions, Harghita is an attractive destination year-round for those interested in cultural tourism, wellness, and active recreation. The county seat is Miercurea Ciuc. Other notable towns include Odorheiu Secuiesc, Gheorgheni, Toplița, and Cristuru Secuiesc. 2. Natural Assets and Protected Areas Harghita County's landscape and ecological character are defined by volcanic mountain ranges and high-altitude basins, offering a rich and diverse natural environment. The county is home to rare geological formations, unique peat bogs, caves, and picturesque gorges. These natural treasures provide ideal habitats for large wildlife species such as brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and deer, contributing to the region's biodiversity. Key protected natural attractions: • Lake Saint Anne • Mohos Peat Bog • Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake • Vargyas Gorge • Nagy-Hagymás and Egyeskő • Sugó Cave • Jézer Lake Reserve (Călimani Mountains) • Lucs Peat Bog • Sólyomkő • Borzont Birch Forest • Fenyőkút Peat Bog The county hosts numerous protected areas, including several Natura 2000 sites, which support the preservation of biodiversity. These areas provide ideal conditions for eco-tourism activities such as: • wildlife watching and nature photography • birdwatching • botanical and geological tours • exploring educational nature trails Thanks to its unique natural heritage, Harghita County is a key destination for sustainable tourism, attracting travellers and researchers with a passion for nature. 3. Cultural, Religious, and Heritage Tourism The Székely heritage offers a wealth of intangible and tangible cultural values. Visitors can discover: • fortified churches • castles and manor houses • traditional Székely gates, peasant houses, and open-air museums • craftsmanship and folk traditions Harghita County is also a prominent destination for religious and pilgrimage tourism. The Pentecost pilgrimage to Csíksomlyó attracts tens of thousands annually, mainly Catholic pilgrims from Hungary and the Carpathian Basin. Numerous historic churches and chapels are part of thematic religious routes. Local museums and cultural centres showcase the county's history, craftsmanship, and natural heritage. 4. Health Tourism Harghita County is renowned for its natural mineral springs, mofettas (dry carbon dioxide gas emissions), and salt therapy options, which form the foundation of its health tourism offerings. Key destinations: • Băile Tușnad – a spa town with mofettas and wellness centres • Borsec – a famous spa resort with the new Fontana Borsec wellness centre (pools, saunas, salt chamber, mofetta) • Various rural spas and mofettas 5. Active and Adventure Tourism Harghita County offers year-round opportunities for active recreation, particularly for nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Summer activities: • hiking and walking trails • mountain biking, trail running, nature photography • kayaking and canoeing • via ferrata routes • canyoning, alpine coasters, paragliding • horseback riding, off-road trips Winter activities: • skiing and snowboarding • cross-country skiing, winter hiking • ice climbing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling • natural ice rinks and sledging slopes These activities are often provided by certified guides and are available as part of local tourism packages. 6. Family and Educational Tourism Harghita County is increasingly popular as a destination for family tourism and educational trips, thanks to its diverse tourism offerings and the special attention service providers give to families. The region's interactive, easily accessible, and experience-based attractions are ideal for school trips, nature education, and intergenerational bonding activities. 7. Infrastructure and Accessibility Transport • Roads: National roads (DN) connect the region with Brașov, Mureș, and Neamț counties. Secondary roads vary in condition but provide access to tourist attractions. • Rail: CFR offers direct rail connections to Miercurea Ciuc from Bucharest, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca, as well as regional services to various rural settlements. • Air: The nearest international airports are in Brașov, Târgu Mureș, and Bacău, approximately 1.5–3 hours by car. Accommodation The county offers a variety of accommodation options: • hotels and resorts • cosy guesthouses and family-run inns • rural chalets • campsites and agritourism units Tourism Services • tourist information centres in major towns • the Visit Harghita app and website (visitharghita.com) provide bilingual information, event listings, and recommendations for accommodation and attractions • local travel agencies and guides offer organised programmes and equipment rentals